Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, visited Saudi Arabia to explore opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation, with a focus on collaboration in international organizations, human rights, and legal and judicial matters.

Why it matters:

The visit marks another step in the ongoing normalization and deepening of Iran–Saudi relations since their 2023 diplomatic rapprochement, signaling both nations’ willingness to coordinate on regional and multilateral issues.

 

The big picture:

Iran and Saudi Arabia, two major regional powers and founding members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), are seeking to build on recent diplomatic progress. Strengthening coordination on human rights, legal affairs, and international diplomacy could help stabilize regional tensions and enhance their influence within both Islamic and global institutions.

 

What he's saying:

“Iran and Saudi Arabia, which share significant common ground, can, with mutual respect, goodwill, and good-neighborliness, pursue the common interests of their peoples and regional peace and stability,” Gharibabadi said.

He added that enhanced coordination and friendly relations between Tehran and Riyadh would create “multiple opportunities with positive regional and international effects.”

 

Key points:

  • Gharibabadi met with Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister for International Affairs.
  • Talks focused on cooperation in multilateral forums, regional and international organizations, and the OIC.
  • Both sides discussed human rights, judicial collaboration, and strengthening Islamic solidarity.
  • Gharibabadi emphasized the need to boost the OIC’s role in condemning Israeli actions in Gaza and promoting unity among member states.
  • He expressed hope that Iran–Saudi dialogue will continue with “greater speed and quality.”

 

Go deeper:
Araghchi, Bin Salman Review Mutual, Regional Developments

 

M.Majdi - seyed mohammad kazemi